2012 ODP Boys NCAA Interregional Kicks Off in Alabama

Vestavia Hills, Ala. (Dec. 7, 2012) — The annual US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (US Youth Soccer ODP) Boys NCAA Interregional is now underway at Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex in Vestavia Hills, Ala. The three-day event kicked off today and features boys from the 1995 and 1996 age groups.

During Friday's games, about 60 college coaches were in attendance and watched each game for both age groups.

Continuing its tradition of elite competition and player development, youth from the nation's top player identification program, US Youth Soccer ODP, will train and compete in front of national staff and collegiate coaches to maximize their exposure for selection to the next level of play. The 2012 US Youth Soccer ODP Boys NCAA Interregional includes players in the 2013-2015 graduation classes.

US Youth Soccer ODP, the nation's original player identification program, has continued its tradition of elite competition and player development for more than 30 years, and is the only development program that can claim members of Major League Soccer and the Men’s and Women’s National Teams. To learn more, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.

Highlights from today's matches:

1996 Boys: Region I v. Region II

In a drama-filled game that saw a pair of goals scored in the final minutes, Region II edged Region I, 2-1. After Region I’s Robert Zolper tied the game at a goal apiece in the 89th minute, Amar Sedjic converted a fantastic free kick in the game’s final seconds to give Region II the 2-1 win. Sedjic stepped up for the free kick from just outside the 18-yard box and drilled it low and around the wall, freezing the goalkeeper as it deflected off the post and into the goal. Region II’s Andrija Novakovich scored the game’s opening goal in the 58th minute.

1996 Boys: Region III v. Region IV

Region III came away with a late winner, as it topped Region IV, 2-1. Bradley Farias scored both goals for Region III, including the game-winner in the 89th minute to help his squad come away with the win. He scored his first in the 61st minute, but Region IV came right back a minute later when Noah Chapleski scored on a penalty kick.

1995 Boys: Region I v. Region II

Region II got on the board in the 19th minute and the defense did the rest, as it defeated Region I, 2-0. Luther Jacobs scored the opener when he followed up his own blocked shot and finished the second attempt from about 10 yards out. The Region II defense held strong until Raymond Saari converted a penalty kick in the 85th minute to provide some insurance.

1995 Boys: Region III v. Region IV

In a tightly contested contest, Region III earned a 1-0 win over Region IV. Following a nice buildup from midfield, Derek Gebhard put home the game’s lone goal in the 32nd minute.